Well pump



Oct. 23, 1934. D, MOWREY 1,977,915

WELL PUMP Filed March 27, 1955 2 sheets-sheet 1 IEEE :I1-:1 lf2-n.31.

E El- N INVENTOR f f, /`4 J l,

ATTORNEY f L. D. MOWREY Oct. 23, 1934.

WELL PUMP Filed March 27. 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 @fl'bweg h IN VEN TQR A TTON Patented Oct. 23, 1934 UNITED STATES WELL PUM'P Lester D. Mowrey, Wichita Falls, Tex., assigner of one-half to Ralph Decker, Wichita `Falla,

Tex.

Application March 21, 193s, serial No. 662,871'

Claims.

This invention relates to well pumping equipment and it has particular reference to an assembly of elements so designed and relatedas to prolong the usefulness of the tool.

5 The principal object of the invention is to provide a well pump comprising a working barrel and plunger combined with a mud anchor, with provisions for settling out the sand entrained with the uid drawn into the pump in order to minimize the wear to which the valves are subjected by the presence of the sand in the fluid. Sand up is therefore prevented and more eiiicient results are obtained by so protecting the valves.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved mounting for the standing valve by enabling the same to be readily set up for operation and equally as readily pulled or withdrawn from its operative position in the pump. The valve is frictionally held in operative position in the pump by a novel friction ring and through the medium of an improved guide, the valve is conveniently set up from the surface and likewise removed, without removing the pump from the well bore.

Broadly, the invention comprehends the provision of an improved well pump which not only increases pumping efliciency and longevity of the pumping equipment but likewise produces a more uniform and regular flow of fluid by improving the seating of the valves, all of which improves the quality of the fluid discharged from 'the well since friction created by fiuid slippage past the plunger or in forcing itself through improperly seated valves is inclined to cut the oil and impair its market value.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to its salient features of construction and arrangement of parts which will become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a vertical section showing the upper portion of the improved well pump.

Figure 2 is a continuation of Figure 1, showing the sand trap and anchor.

Figure 3 is a transverse section on lines 3-3 on Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a detail view of one of the friction rings for retaining the standing valve.

Figure 5 is a transverse section on lines 5-5 on Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a slightly modified form of the invention from which the working barrel and plunger has been omitted.

Figure 7 is a detail view, partly in section, of the standing valve.

Figure 8 is a detail view partly in section, fragmentarily showing the tubing above Figure 6, illustrating the traveling valve, and 6 Figure 9 is a detail view of another one of the friction rings for retaining the standing valve shown in Figure 6.

Continuing with a more detailed explanation of the drawings, reference is primarily made to Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 1 is shown a tubular mud member 1, into the upper end of which is threaded a plug 2 and into its lower end is threaded a perforated cylindrical member 3, shown partially in Figure 1 and continued in Figure 2. 70 Threaded in turn upon the lower end of the perforated member 3 is a tubular anchor 4. The anchor 4 may be of any desired length as suggested by the joint at 5, and into its lower end is threaded a plug 6.

Referring again to the plug 2, it will be noted that this member has a depending reduced portion 'I of cylindrical shape and is in concentric relation to the tubular member 1. Mounted in the portion 'l of the plug 2 is a working barrel 8, the lower end of which is threaded into a central passage 9 in the perforated member 3. Within this workingl barrel '8 is operated a plunger 10 having on its lower end packing rings 11. A portion of the plunger 10 is cut away to disclose a ball 12 seated therein and upon the upper end of the plunger is a cage 13 into which is threaded a rod 14.

At the point in the passage 9 of the perforated member 3 where the lower end of the working barrel 8 enters the same is a bevel a' corresponding to the bevel b on the lowermost end of a standing valve 15. 'I'his is borne out in Figure 1. It will be noted that a split ring 16 surrounds the lowermost end of the standing valve 15 when the valve is-inserted into the passage 9 of the member 3, the ring 16 is contracted and in bearing frictionally against the walls of the passage 9, the standing valve 15 is held securely in position, supported by reason of the engagement of its packing rings 17 against the walls of the working barrel 8. 'Ihe standing valve 15 is likewise provided with a ball 18 and cage 19, the upper end of which cage is interiorly threaded at 20- to receive the end of a rod assembly for pulling the valve from its operative position without removing the pump from the well bore. l

Referring again to the plug 2 as shown in the upper portion of Figure 1, it will be noted that the portion '7 of this plug is perforated at 21 about 110 the upper end oi' the working barrel 8. This is shown also in Figure 3. Further reference to these perforations or passages 21 will be made presently in the description of operation.

Threaded into the bottom of the standing valve 15 is a tube 22 which passes through the central passage 9 of the perforated member 3 and depends into a tubular member 23, threaded into the lower portion of the perforated member 3 and disposed in concentric relation to the mud anchor 4. In Figure 2 it will be noted that the lower end of the tubular member 23 is closed by a threaded plug 24, however, the lower end of the tube 22 is open and is terminated short of the lower end of the tubular member 23 for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.

The perforated member 3, which incidentally provides the connection between the upper and lower tubular bodies 1 and 4 respectively, has a series of spaced, radial passages 25 therein which permit the passage of fluid from the well into the central passage 9 of the member 3 and is further provided with vertical passages 26, spaced annularly about the central passage 9 and which communicate with the annular chamber 27 intermediate the working barrel 8 and tubular body 1, as shown in Figure 1. This annular chamber 27 receives the discharge or sand settlings through the passages 21 in the skirt portion 7 of the plug 2. It is particularly important to note that the upper end of the working barrel 8, immediately above the passages 21 is deflected or beveled at 28. This bevel serves the useful function oi maintaining a clean condition of the plunger 10 as it reciprocates in the Working barrel 8 by continuously scraping the sand from the walls of the plunger which is inclined to accumulate thereon during operation of the tool. The sand thus removed from the plunger by the beveled portion 28 passes through the ports or passages 21 into the chamber 27, thence through the vertical passages 26 in the perforated member 3, finally coming to rest in the settling chamber 29, formed by the annular space about the tubular member 23, which is concentrically related to the anchor 4, shown in Figure 2.

When the tool is set up for operation, the member 4 is anchored in the bottom of the well with the standing valve 15 in the position shown in Figure 1. Reciprocation of the plunger 10 is' produced by any conventional surface equipment and which reciprocation obviously draws fluid from the well through the radial passages 25 in the perforated connection 3. Fluid thus entering the tool will pass into the central passage 9 of the perforated connection 3 and downward into the tubular member 25, thence upward through the depending tube 22, past the standing valve 15 by lifting the ball 18, thence into the tubing above the tool through the plunger 10, by lifting the ball 12 therein. There is always a quantity of sand entrained in the inowing fluid. 'Ihis sand has a tendency to settle out of the column of uid above the pumping valve and in so settling out, the sand will pass through the ports 21 of the skirt portion 7 into the annular space 2'7 and will continue downward through the vertical passages 26 in the perforated connection 3, thence into the settling chamber 29 in the anchor 4, which as previously mentioned, may be of any y desired length. This operation is continued until .the chamber becomes filled whereupon the tool 23. It is possible however, to replace the valves without requiring that the tool be withdrawn in which case, it is necessary simply'to withdraw. the plunger 10 and run in again with the rod assembly to engage the threaded portion 20 of the standing valve 15 by exerting an upward'pull, the frictional engagement of the spring arrangement16 with the walls of the passage 9 in which the standing valve is disposed, is removed and the valve may be brought to the surface. Replacement of the operative parts just mentioned may be as readily brought about due to the beveled shoulder at a and corresponding bevel b, on the lower end of the standing valve 15, as Iwell as the bevel c on the lower end of the plunger l0. These bevels obviously resist in guiding the operative elements into their respective positions in the tool as explained. v

Referring now particularly?.l to the modified form of construction shown in Figures 6 to 9 inclusive, a perforated'body 30 is shown as having a swaged upper end 31, which is interiorly threaded to receive a tube section 32. The body 30 is provided with a riser 33, serving as a mounting for a standing valve 34 which latter is provided with a beveled lower end 35, corresponding to a bevel d in the upper end of the riser 33 and which permits of ready insertion of the standing valve from the surface.

'I'he standing valve 34 is held securely in a reduced portion 36 in the riser 33 by means of a split ring 37, whose outward springing action against the walls of the riser frictionally holds the valve against displacement. 'I'his means of holding is aided by the members 38 surrounding the body of the valve. The valve is provided with the conventional ball 39 and cage 40 having a threaded aperture 4l in its top serving to receive the threaded end of a rod section to effect its removal and replacement in operative position in the tool.

The body 30 has a multiplicity of radial passages 42 communicating with a central chamber or passage 43, extending through which is a tube 44, the upper end of the tube being threaded centrally into the body of the member 30 immediately below the standing valve 34. The lower end of the tube 44 depends within a tubular member 45, which is in concentric relation to an anchor 46. The anchor 46 is obviously extensible, itbeing shown in Figure 6 in two sections connected together by the joint 47 and has a plug 48 in its lower end. A tubular member 45 is also provided with a plug 49.

In Figure 8 is shown a traveling valve 50 suspended by the sucker rod assembly 5l. The cage 52 ofthe traveling valve is similar to the cage 40 of the standing valve, inasmuch as it is provided with a threaded upper end 53 and a conventional ball valve 54.

In operation, the tool is lowered into the hole and anchored whereupon the traveling valve 50 is operated in the conventional manner. Fluid is thus caused to enter the radial passages 42 in the body 30 and is drawn upwardly from the tubular member 45 into which it flows, through the tube 44, thence past the ball 39 in the standing valve 34 and past the ball 54, of the traveling valve on its down stroke.'

Sand entrained with the fluid settles out in the annular chamber 55 surrounding the riser 33 about the standing valve- 34 and finds its way into the chamber 56 through the vertical passages 57, spaced annularly about the central chamber or passage 43.

Thus in either case, accumulations of sand in the pump is prevented and there is little likelihood that the valves will be held open by sand deposits' and prevent efficient operation of the pump and wear upon moving parts and especially upon the packing surrounding the valves is materially reduced.

The foregoing description clearly defines the construction and operation of the invention but it is of particular importance 'to note that thepeculiar design of the pump provides maximum capacity for sand, which is permitted to settle out without interference by well pressure or inflowing iiuid. The sand trap extends from the upper end `of the working barrel as in Figure l, to the bottorn of the tool, which is well below the uid inlet ports of the pump and may extend to any length. Moreover, this construction embodies the combination in a well pump, of a sand trap and gas and mud anchor so related and arranged as to utilize all of the tool for useful work since the sand trap is suspended below the point of iiuid iniiow and Y terminates well above this point, yet gives the sand ample time to settle out to prevent its enltrainment with the uid through the tubing and sanding up the valves, especially in cases where operation is suspended for short periods. This is of considerable importance since sanding up and consequent stickingof the traveling plunger and valves is quite common in conventional pumps and is rendered practically impossible by the structure of the invention.

The structure is also arranged so that the working barrel 8, as shown in Figure 1 is centered by being secured in true concentric relation to the tubular member 1 and held so at its top by its connection to the plug 2, thus insuring true reception of the plunger 10 when it is lowered for operation and maintains the same in a strictly perpendicular plane in operation.

The lower tubular member or mud anchor 4, being in communication with the annular space 27 above the perforated connection 3 forms an elongated sediment chamber which is open to the static head while the uid passage through the depending gas anchor tube 22, as in Figure 2 is open to well pressure. The concentric tubular member 23 is thus required to be sealed and a certain amount of heavy sediment will settle in this member, although the pump suction will keep the greater amount moving and which will ultimately settle in the elongated sediment chamber.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of considerable modification and such modication as is considered within the scope and meaning of the appended claims is also considered within the spirit and intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A well pump including a body arranged for suspension from a tubing assembly in a well and having a series of vertical passages spaced about a central passage and a series of radial passages in vertical and annular spaced relationship interposed between said vertical passages and com- '1 municating with said central passage, a tubular passages, a standing valve frictionally held in a beveled opening in the top of said body, a working barrel surrounding and extending upwardly from said standing valve, a pump plunger arranged for reciprocaton in said working barrel and means to effect communication between the vertical passages of said body and said tubing at a point above said working barrel whereby to define an annular sand receiving and settling chamber around and throughout the length of said working barrel in continuous communication with said second tubular member. a

2. A well pump including a body arranged for suspension below a string of tubing in a well and having vertical passages spaced annularly about a central opening in said body and a series of vertically and annularly spaced radial passages entering said body between said vertical passages whereby to open said 'central opening to the pressure of said well, a tubular sand trap threaded into said central' opening and having a closed lower end, a second tubular sand trap in concentric relation to said rst sand trap and in communication with the vertical passages in said body and also having a closed lower end, a pump barrel anchored in the upper end of said body and having a pump plunger therein provided with a beveled lower end, a standing valve anchored in a beveled seat in the upper end of said body Within said pump barrel, and having communication with said first sand trap by way of a depending tube, and means to effect communication between said second tubular sand trap and said tubing string at a point above said pump barrel,

3. A well pump including a body having a central opening and provided with non-communicating vertical and radial passages, a standing valve above said body having packing and a retaining ring of a diameter less than that of said packing, a pump plunger above said standing valve, a sand trap disposed below said body and open to well pressure only by way of said radial passages, a depending tube in concentric relation to the walls of said central opening and terminating short of the bottom of said sand trap to effect communication between said sand trap and standing valve; a second sand trap suspended below said body and concentric with said first sand trap and open only to the pressure of Well fluid subsequent to its passage upward through said pump plunger by way of the vertical passages, in said body and means to return sand settlings to said latter sand trap from fluid rising above said pump plunger.

4. A well pump including-a body having a series of vertical passages independently arranged around a central passage therein, a series of radial passages connecting with said central passage, a shoulder adjacent the upper end of said body, a standing valve disposed in frictional engagement with the walls of said shoulder, a working barrel above said standing valve, a pump plunger therein, concentrically arranged tubular traps having closed lower ends connected to the lower end of said body, one of said traps being open to well pressure through said radial passages for preventing large accumulations of sand and gas from entering the standing valve of said pump with the intake fluid, the other of said traps being o pen to the uid pressure after its passage through said standing valve by way of said vertical passages for the purpose of receiving sand settlings from the iiuid after its passage above said standing valve.

5. A well pump including in combination with a string of tubing in a well, a body suspended by said string of tubing having a series of vertical passages independently arranged around a central passage therein and a series of radial passages communicating, with said central passage,

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a shoulder adjacent the upper end of said body having beveled edges, a standing valve having a beveled lower end and disposed in frictional engagement with the Walls of said shoulder, concen- 15 trically arranged tubular sand traps connected to the lower end of said body, a working barrel above said standing valve, a pump plunger therein, a tubular member embracing said working barrel in concentric relationship therewith whereby said standing valve. LESTER D. MOWREY.

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